Kiwano / African horned cucumber - 15 pcs seeds

Seeds for Kiwano cucumber. Exotic decoration or an interesting new taste!

• Botanical name: Cucumis metuliferus (family Cucurbitaceae).
• Variety: Kiwano
• The fruits are small, 9 to 15 cm long, oval in shape and weigh between 200 and 300 g.
• The rind is bright orange-yellow, resembles an overripe cucumber and has numerous spines. The flesh of the fruit is jelly-like and green.
• The flavour is unusual for our region – a combination of cucumber and banana with a hint of lemon.
• It can be grown in a greenhouse or outdoors; it is advisable to sow the seeds in a pot or small container first, to provide the necessary temperature and moisture at the initial stage.
• A frame or netting should be used to grow the plant, ensuring optimal growth, aeration and convenient harvesting.

Growing recommendations

• The seedlings are ready for transplanting outdoors when they have 2nd-3rd true leaves and a stable soil temperature above 20°C. If growing outside a greenhouse, choose a sunny site sheltered from wind.
• Watering should be moderate and at regular intervals. Avoid infrequent watering with large amounts of water!
• For soils poor in nutrients, we recommend feeding with fertilisers.
• The fruits are ready to harvest when the rind is bright orange-yellow and slightly firm. When the rind softens, the flavour and texture change.
• The inner green part of the fruit is eaten and can be served with salt, sugar or in a salad.